Message to Members: Comments from the AAAS Chair
Voice Your Opinion: Congressional Appropriations Earmarking
AAAS in Action: News to Note
AAAS at Work: Programs at the Forefront
AAAS Announcements: Items of Interest
Read On, Online: Science Sites
Dear AAAS Member,
Internationally, we continue to strengthen the AAAS voice on behalf of scientists everywhere. Through our 270 affiliate organizations, we cooperate with societies and associations in the European Union and elsewhere, and are beginning to reach out to groups in emerging economies, particularly in Asia , South America , and Africa . We strive to sustain support for scientific research worldwide in a time of international competition and global security concerns.
In the U.S. , we are addressing the “quiet crisis” of a scientific and engineering work force aging toward retirement and the effects of immigration policy on the ability to replenish this work force. We are encouraging government, business, and academe to strengthen science education to prepare greater numbers of young people and underrepresented minorities for science and engineering careers. While we stress the need for increased R&D research funding, we also foster successful research initiatives through our Research Competitiveness Program (see AAAS at Work).
Together, we can look forward to new challenges and opportunities this year and well into the future.
Sincerely,
Shirley Ann Jackson, Chair, AAAS
P.S. We hope to see you at the AAAS Annual Meeting, 17-21 February in Washington , D.C. Shortly after the closing sessions, a special issue of Advances recapping the meeting's highlights will be sent.
U.S. R&D Funding Update
The latest AAAS R&D funding update is now available online. Read about the preliminary analysis of R&D in the U.S. FY 2006 budget and view our new “R&D in the FY 2006 Budget” page. Go to: http://www.aaas.org/spp/rd .
AAAS Welcomes Newly Elected Officers
The polls closed on 15 November as members finished casting their votes in the 2004 AAAS election, with John P. Holdren emerging as President-Elect. The new terms start 22 February for general officers (president-elect, Board of Directors, Committee on Nominations) and section officers (chairman-elect, Member-at-Large, Committee on Nominations). To see the results and welcome those elected, go to http://www.aaas.org/news/newsandnotes/inside115.shtml .
“Global Voices” Speak Out in Science
The journal Science celebrates its 125-year history by looking forward to some of the most interesting and daunting scientific challenges facing the international community. On the first Friday of every month throughout 2005, “Global Voices of Science” features essays by leading scientists in the developing world who focus research on critical human problems. Read about the series and upcoming essays: http://www.aaas.org/news/releases/2005/0110globalIntro.shtml .
AAAS Fellows Reach Out to Tsunami Victims
Just hours after the tsunami slammed into the shores of the Indian Ocean on 26 December 2004 , AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellows began to join the relief effort. Both current and former Fellows played a crucial humanitarian role by contributing their science and technology expertise, from water purification to federal disaster response and expanded warning systems. Read more about these AAAS Fellows and the S&T Policy Fellowship Program at http://www.aaas.org/news/releases/2005/0111tsunami.shtml and http://www.fellowships.aaas.org .
AAAS Strengthens Role in UNESCO
Dr. Alan I. Leshner, CEO, will represent AAAS on the new U.S. National Commission for the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization. The commission marks the renewal of U.S. participation in UNESCO after a hiatus of nearly 19 years. During those years, AAAS remained engaged with the organization in promoting science and engineering education, women in science, and sustainable development, and now will be able to encourage deeper involvement of the U.S. science and technology community. As part of the AAAS Annual Meeting, on 19 February at 2 pm , a three-hour seminar focuses on these new opportunities. Read more: http://www.aaas.org/news/newsandnotes/inside116.shtml .
Research Competitiveness Program: Gain the Edge
Universities, government agencies, research consortia, and other institutions can benefit from expert advice in planning, reviewing, or evaluating programs and initiatives in research, development, and innovation. The AAAS Research Competitiveness Program draws from members, affiliates, and other resources to mobilize teams of scientists, engineers, science administrators, and policy analysts to provide expertise and objective advice. Find out how to gain the competitive edge in R&D research initiatives: http://www.aaas.org/spp/rcp/ .
AAAS Annual Meeting Special Event: World Year of Physics
On 20 February, during the AAAS Annual Meeting in Washington , D.C. , a day-long event serves as the U.S. kickoff for the World Year of Physics, commemorating the international centennial celebration of Albert Einstein's “miracle year.” Join us as we look at the impact of physics and the frontiers of today. For information, go to http://www.aaas.org/meetings/Annual_Meeting/02_PE/PE_07_SemD.shtml .
Meet recruiters face to face at the AAAS/ Science Career Fair
Held in conjunction with the AAAS Annual Meeting in Washington , D.C. , 21 February 2005 , Marriott Wardman Park , Hall A. Attendance is free. Information: go to http://www.sciencecareers.org and click on “career fairs.”
Supporting Women in Science: France
On 2 March, a career workshop for researchers will be held at UNESCO Headquarters, Paris, France, with international experts providing their perspective on schemes and techniques to facilitate the progress of women in the academic sciences. Promoting Excellence in Academia: The Role of Mentoring and Networking is organized by L'Oreal Paris and Science's Next Wave during "For Women in Science Week" which honors five laureates and awards 15 UNESCO-L'Oreal fellowships to young women in research worldwide.
For more information, e-mail ssharma@science-int.co.uk
AAAS Annual S&T Policy Forum: 30th Year
On 21-22 April, 500 of the top U.S. science and technology experts will convene in Washington , D.C. Since 1976, the annual forum has grown into the major U.S. public meeting to discuss and debate budget and other S&T policy issues. For details on the program and to register, go to http://www.aaas.org/spp/rd/forum.htm .
“How to Get Published in Science ” Workshop
On 9 March, from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm at AAAS headquarters in Washington , D.C. , Science editors will provide an overview of the steps to publishing a paper in the journal, including submission requirements and the review process. For details on the event, co-sponsored by the Association for Women in Science and AAAS, go to http://promo.aaas.org/kn_marketing/published.shtml .
Drug Discovery Technology® Europe 2005: 25% AAAS Discount
From 14-17 March, IBC's 9 th annual congress features the latest scientific and business information on R&D productivity, presented by more than 75 industry experts. For full program details, go to http://www.drugdisc.com/europe . Register with a 25% AAAS member discount by e-mailing jennyanne.morris@informa.com or by calling +44 (0)20 7017 5329.
Science and Engineering Visualization Challenge: Call for Entries
31 May is the deadline for international entries in the 2005 annual competition, sponsored by AAAS and the National Science Foundation. Awards for outstanding examples of the use of visual media to promote understanding of research results and scientific phenomena will be given in five categories: photography, illustration, informational graphics, interactive media, and noninteractive media. For full details, go to http://www.nsf.gov/od/lpa/events/sevc/enter.htm.
Fourth Annual Pharmaceutical Achievement Awards
Nominations are now being accepted for this prestigious award. Sponsored by AAAS, the awards recognize the significant accomplishments of individuals and organizations in the global pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries in the areas of science, business, and corporate generosity. For more information and to download nomination forms, visit www.pharmawards.com .
Meet Up at Upcoming Events
Stop by the AAAS booth to pick up your member pin.
AAAS Annual Meeting 2005, Washington , D.C. , U.S.A. , 17–21 February.
Information: http://www.aaas.org/meetings/Annual_Meeting/ .
Pittcon 2005 , 27 February-4 March, Orlando , Florida , U.S.A. Information:
http://www.appcluster05.com/app/homepage.cfm?appname=351&moduleid=625 .
American Chemical Society National Meeting & Exposition , 13-17 March, San Diego , California , U.S.A. Information: http://www.chemistry.org/portal/a/c/s/1/acsdisplay.html?DOC=meetings\sandiego2005\sa05_index.html .
Experimental Biology 2005 , 2-6 April, San Diego , California , U.S.A. Information:
http://www.faseb.org/meetings/eb2005/call/default.htm .
AAAS News & Notes appears in Science in the last issue of each month. Or access http://www.aaas.org/ or http://www.scienceonline.org/ .
Volume 1 available in February 2006-in print and online. Co-Editors: Abul K. Abbas, James R. Downing, and Vinay Kumar.
The Annual Review of Pathology: Mechanisms of Disease will offer timely and critical review articles covering significant advances in the understanding of the initiation and progression of important human diseases.
Visit www.annualreviews.org/go/sce1 to learn more.